With any injury, you need to take the time to rehabilitate your body so you can heal. The same goes for your heart. When your heart experiences injury or extreme stress (heart attack, surgery, transplant, etc.), it needs time to heal as well.
Cardiac rehab programs can help you recover from recent heart problems and improve your overall heart health through exercise, education and counseling. Dennis Kerrigan, Ph.D., a clinical exercise physiologist for Henry Ford Health, helps break down some of the common concerns people have about returning to physical activity after heart trauma and how cardiac rehab works for every patient's situation.
The Benefits Of Cardiac Rehab
After you’ve had a heart attack or heart surgery, you may feel more tired than usual, have shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
"Cardiac rehab is designed to help you reduce these symptoms through supervised exercise and guided lifestyle changes which focus on optimizing healthy nutrition and sleep, while reducing stress, smoking, and cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity)," says Dr. Kerrigan. "This way, you can increase your energy levels and feel better about your health going forward."
What To Expect From Your Cardiac Rehab Appointment
Cardiac rehab programs are highly personalized based on your unique medical and health needs.
“Our programs are made up of clinical exercise physiologists, dietitians, nurses and behavioral health specialists and your provider who are all working together to help you learn more about the importance of your heart health,” says Dr. Kerrigan.
As part of this program, you can expect to:
- Work with your care team to develop an individualized treatment plan
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure levels
- Track your heart rate and rhythm
Additionally, there are weekly educational classes you will attend and a personalized exercise program you will follow.
The importance of healthy heart education
Cardiac rehabilitation includes education classes because for many patients, it is their first time really understanding how their lifestyle choices can impact their heart health going forward. From making healthy food choices so you can maintain/lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels to having a deeper understanding of how the heart functions and the role stress, smoking cessation, and exercise play in your wellbeing, these classes are designed to give you the basics to recover smoothly.
Exercising to strengthen heart muscles
The goal of exercising after a heart event is to get your heart strong again – so you can handle your daily life without pain or discomfort. However, trying to get back to your regular routine without proper rehabilitation can lead to a prolonged recovery. Different workouts on a treadmill, stationary bike, seat elliptical or rowing machine can help build endurance. Some strength training may also be included.
“When you first start exercising as part of your cardiac rehabilitation, we will have you wear a heart monitor to record your heart rhythm,” says Dr. Kerrigan. “As you build up your strength and endurance, you will be able to go through your exercise program independently.
For patients that are unable to attend in-person education classes and workout sessions, this program has also been adapted for at-home or telehealth options. Talk with your provider about what they recommend for you when it comes to cardiac rehabilitation.
Reviewed by Dr. Dennis Kerrigan, a clinical exercise physiologist who sees patients and does exercise research trials at Henry Ford Hospital.
